Nelson Mandela Square

Photo by Darryn Letley
Photo by Rich  Rose


Indulge in some retail therapy, dine in an open-air piazza and browse the stalls of an antique fair at this commercial and entertainment center.  

Shop, dine and relax at Nelson Mandela Square, a large public square and commercial hub. Find cafés, restaurants, exclusive retailers and a theatre, all set around an attractive European-styled piazza.

Take a look at the imposing bronze statue of anti-apartheid activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela. Standing 20-feet (6-metres) tall, it is the focal point of the square and commemorates the first decade of South African democracy. 

Step inside the square’s mall and browse more than 80 stores and boutiques for exclusive jewellery pieces, artworks, leather goods and tailored clothing. Keep your eye open for a bargain and collectors’ items at the square’s Antique Fair, which attracts up to 70 dealers. Find costume jewellery, ceramic figurines, glassware and embroidered items, among other items. The fair runs on the first Sunday of every month.

Enjoy alfresco dining in the cafés and restaurants that line the square. Choose from a variety of cuisines including traditional African dishes and European fare.Nelson Mandela Square is also a good place to come for some culture. Watch musicals, concerts, plays and stand-up comedy at the Old Mutual Theatre, known locally as the Theatre on the Square. The schedule includes matinees and evening performances as well as special events for kids. Details are available on the theatre’s official website.

Nelson Mandela Square sits in the heart of the commercial suburb of Sandton. It is about a 20-minute drive north from downtown Johannesburg. For those arriving by car, there is a large metered car park. If you are coming by public transport, the metro bus and trains stop a short walk from the square. 

Nelson Mandela Square’s shops and restaurants are open daily, including public holidays. Hours vary for each business and attraction, so check the square’s official website for details. For even more shopping experiences, visit the nearby Sandton City, a shopping mall that is home to around 300 retailers, restaurants and an 11-screen cinema.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square

Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square

5 out of 5
2 Maude Street, Corner of 5th Street, Sandton, Gauteng
Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

4 out of 5
Corner Rivonia Rd. And West St., Benmore, Sandton, Gauteng
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
ONOMO Hotel Johannesburg Sandton

ONOMO Hotel Johannesburg Sandton

3.5 out of 5
135 West Street, Sandton, Gauteng
ONOMO Hotel Johannesburg Sandton
@Sandton Hotel

@Sandton Hotel

3 out of 5
5 Benmore Rd, Sandton, Gauteng
@Sandton Hotel
Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton

Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton

4 out of 5
20 Maude Street, Sandton, Gauteng
Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
Raphael Penthouse Suites

Raphael Penthouse Suites

5 out of 5
South Wing Nelson Mandela Squ Fifth St, Sandton, Gauteng
Raphael Penthouse Suites
The Michelangelo Towers

The Michelangelo Towers

5 out of 5
8 Maud Street Sandown, Sandton, Gauteng
The Michelangelo Towers
Hotel Sky Sandton

Hotel Sky Sandton

3.5 out of 5
150 West St, Sandton, Gauteng
Hotel Sky Sandton
BlackBrick Sandton Two

BlackBrick Sandton Two

3.5 out of 5
22 Fredman Dr, Sandton, Gauteng
BlackBrick Sandton Two
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg offers a vibrant mix of activities, including excellent shopping opportunities and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy local dining experiences and immerse themselves in the excitement of football matches nearby. This iconic square is a perfect blend of culture, leisure, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a true taste of South African life.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Sandton City Mall, only 322m away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. If you're up for a drive, head to Fourways Farmers Market, 9.7km away, for a lively atmosphere and local goods, or The Neighbourhood Square Shopping Centre, 8.0km away, for family-friendly options.

Recreation

Wanderers Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 3.2km from Nelson Mandela Square. For a leisurely day outdoors, the Wanderers Golf Club provides a scenic golfing experience, also 3.2km away. Adventure Golf, located 6.4km away, promises fun and excitement for families with its mini-golf challenges.

Adventure

Kyalami Racetrack offers thrilling motor racing experiences, located 12.9km from Nelson Mandela Square, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For indoor excitement, Lazer Quest, situated 4.8km away, provides a fun-filled adventure with laser tag. Wild Waters in Boksburg, 14.8km away, is a vibrant waterpark ideal for family fun.

Nightlife

In Nelson Mandela Square, the nightlife buzzes with energy. Visit Ster-Kinekor Sandton City for a romantic cinema experience, or enjoy the cultural flair at Victory Theater, perfect for families. For more movie magic, head to Ster-Kinekor Rosebank, offering a delightful evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including event venues, urban parks, and history museums, perfect for those seeking culture and outdoor experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the square while enjoying leisurely strolls in the parks or exploring local museums that reflect the heritage of Johannesburg. This destination truly caters to diverse interests, providing a delightful blend of activities for every traveller.

  • Sandton Convention Centre: Located a mere 161m from Nelson Mandela Square, this modern venue is perfect for business events. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as professionals from around the globe gather to network and exchange ideas in its state-of-the-art facilities.
  • University of Witwatersrand: Approximately 9.7km away, this historic university offers a rich cultural experience. Explore its stunning architecture and engage with the vibrant student community, all while immersing yourself in the educational heritage of South Africa.
  • Peacemaker Museum: Just 161m from Nelson Mandela Square, this museum delves into the history of peace efforts in South Africa. Enjoy thought-provoking exhibits that highlight the country's journey towards reconciliation and unity.

Best time to go to Nelson Mandela Square

The best time to visit Nelson Mandela Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Nelson Mandela Square falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Nelson Mandela Square falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
May59.0°F (15.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June53.2°F (11.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
July53.1°F (11.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
August58.8°F (14.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
September66.4°F (19.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
November69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nelson Mandela Square

To save money during your visit to Nelson Mandela Square, consider travelling in the cheaper months of April and December to January, with Saturday being the least expensive day for accommodation. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options and eco-certified hotels. For greater savings, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package. Additionally, explore free attractions around the square and use the affordable public transport available to navigate the area efficiently. This way, you can enjoy your trip without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nelson Mandela Square are April and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, May and July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Nelson Mandela Square is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Nelson Mandela Square is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Nelson Mandela Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia